A GREAT WEEK IN THE 6TH DISTRICT

My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging. – Hank Aaron The compilation of this week events can be categorized by what I call a “bizarre trifecta.” All the stars of the universe formed an alliance and granted me a nearly perfect week. Here’s the recap: 1) A new page in sports history was written last weekend, as the Dallas Cowboys, after painful years of disappointment, under breath complaints and the occasional tear when friends are not looking, made excellent draft choices in the 2008 NFL draft. The Carolina Panthers, who oppositely have a good draft record, also scored the usual top-tier prospects. 2) Perhaps still on a football high, another rarity ensued. I cooked a gourmet meal to perfection (Braised Short Ribs in a Port Wine Reduction, with Golden Garlic Smashed Potatoes, and Balsamic Glazed Greens). 3) Savoring the best for last, I had the distinct honor of dialoging with the next generation of voters regarding current issues facing our nation at Bowman Academy in Orangeburg County. I spoke with seniors at the academy about the significance of voting and its societal impact. After enduring my words with polite boredom, the students came alive with a litany of concerns. The greatest of which was gas prices. Strikingly, their concerns almost mirror their more adult counterparts though the reasonings are polar opposite. Expensive gas for teens subsequently involves fewer trips to the beach and limited cruising...which of course will never do. Most refreshing was despite their concerns and disdain for political posturing, they remained joyful. They had big smiles rooted in optimism as only the youth can possess. It was a great experience, and while we are bombarded with negative bylines and news stories about America, these young men and women are a reminder that we have some good seeds, and in due course they will bring a great harvest to our nation.

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